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Ode to a Pigeon (December 29, 2006, Two)

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Program Summary

Along with rats and roaches, pigeons are high on the list of despised creatures. They are perceived as dirty, lazy, and stupid, and the huge flocks of pigeons that inhabit cities.

Pigeons, which are actually a species of dove (now do you like them?), are quite smart and are born with one of the best innate navigational systems in nature. Homing pigeons are so called because, when they are released miles from home, they unerringly fly back to their home roost. Their sense of direction and strong instinct to “home” are so outstanding that they were used by the military to carry messages during both World Wars. Some were even awarded medals for distinguished service.

As for the masses of urban birds, well, it’s not their fault – it’s ours. We feed them. If someone were feeding you for free, you’d flock, too! Pigeons are no dirtier or unhealthier than other birds; in fact, they seem to be resistant to the West Nile and avian flu viruses. Ira’s guest says that Americans need to take a lesson from Germany, where huge pigeon roosts have been built outside urban areas to lure birds away from cities. A culler collects eggs once a week to control and reduce the population in a humane manner.

Guests

Andrew Blechman
Author, "Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World's Most Revered and Reviled Bird" (Grove/Atlantic Inc., 2006)
Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Related Links and Resources

For Discussion:

• Why do some people hate pigeons? Do you think they are justified?
• Why are there so many pigeons in cities? How has Germany tackled their pigeon problem? Do you think it could work here?
• What is a homing pigeon? How were they used by the military?
• How do homing pigeons navigate?
• How do humans navigate?
• What does the word “pigeon” really mean? What language does it come from?

Activities

There’s no place like home. Homing pigeons love their roosts so much they’ll do anything to get back. Find out how pigeons find their way at How Pigeons Navigate, which explains electromagnetic ability, and Secret of homing pigeons revealed, which discusses how pigeons navigate by sight. Animals versus People: Who's the Better Navigator?, a lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, explores innate and learned navigational skills.

I need a hero. Visit the American Racing Pigeon Union’s fascinating site, where you’ll find an excellent review of Homing Pigeons through the Wars and photos of some of the famous ones. There’s also a Kidz Corner with jigsaw puzzles, a link to pigeon radio shows, and a showcase of school projects sponsored by ARPU clubs. Cher Ami - The Carrier Pigeon who saved 200 men will bring tears to your eyes and give you new respect for pigeons.

It takes all kinds. Dog shows, cat shows, and, yes, pigeon shows. There are so many breeds of fancy pigeon it’ll make your head spin – rollers, tumblers, pouters, trumpeters, frillbacks, owls! Visit the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers’ Association Photo Gallery to see gorgeous birds, some so fancy they don’t even look like pigeons. The competition is fierce at a pigeon show.

A beak of a different color. Charles Darwin was so enamored of pigeons that the first chapter of Origin of the Species was all about them. However, it was observing finches that led him to his groundbreaking theory. Learn how DNA has bolstered his ideas at Birds of Feather Flock to the Web, a lesson plan from the New York Times Learning Network.

Check out this other bird tale at the Kids’ Connection:

Seeing is Believing: Finding the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker (May 6, 2005, Hour Two)

Use the search box below to perform a Google search within any of the specifc sites or general domains mentioned in this Activities section.

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